Ryan Christie delivered a standout performance for Bournemouth, netting three goals to secure Marco Rose’s inaugural victory as the club’s manager. The Cherries dominated Sky Bet Championship opponents Lincoln, cruising to a convincing 4-0 triumph. The Scottish international was the catalyst for the win, finding the back of the net in the 7th, 69th and 88th minutes – his second career hat‑trick – before substitute Rayan capped the evening with a late finish in stoppage time to seal the Carabao Cup third‑round result.
Rose entered the match with a heavily rotated squad, making eight changes to his starting eleven. Among the newcomers were on‑loan Juventus keeper Michele Di Gregorio, who made his debut, and Uruguayan forward Álvaro Rodríguez, who earned his first start for the Cherries.
Only Lincoln’s right‑back Ryley Towler retained his place from the side’s recent 1‑1 draw with Southampton, marking the first meeting of the two clubs since 2010 when both were competing in League Two. Lincoln began the game brightly, creating a few early chances, but Bournemouth struck first after just seven minutes.
Christie timed his run perfectly and slotted a low finish at the near post from a well‑placed cross by Ben Gannon‑Doak. The goal set the tone for the rest of the match and gave the home fans plenty to celebrate.
Gannon‑Doak, who had been a constant threat on the left flank, saw his own attempt blocked by Towler after cutting inside and unleashing a right‑footed shot. Bournemouth’s young Italian goalkeeper Di Gregorio was called into action for the first time in the 22nd minute, making a reflex save to deny a flick‑on from Dan Oyegoke.
A few moments later, Towler produced a spectacular strike that flew over the bar from the rebound. Lincoln’s keeper Joe Gauci also had his moments, producing a smart save to keep Bafode Diakite’s headed effort from finding the net after a long throw was delivered deep into the box. James Hill, playing for Bournemouth, attempted a long‑range strike that went wide, as the Cherries continued to press for a second goal. Six minutes before the break, Bournemouth’s left‑back Julio Soler curled a free‑kick from 25 yards wide after a corner from David Brooks was only half‑cleared.
Hill then forced a shot from the edge of the penalty area that was deflected for a corner, and Christie’s curling 20‑yard effort was palmed away by Gauci just before the halftime whistle. The first half ended with Bournemouth holding a 1‑0 lead, and Rose’s side appeared poised to extend it. The manager, who has only collected two points from his first three Premier League fixtures after conceding late goals against Manchester City, Everton and Newcastle, will be keen to see his players translate that frustration into a dominant display in the cup. The second half began with Bournemouth almost doubling their advantage five minutes in.
Gannon‑Doak’s curling strike glanced off Rodríguez’s head and sailed just over the crossbar. The Scottish winger then tried another long‑range effort in the 55th minute, but again sent the ball over the bar. Hill came close to a spectacular goal when he unleashed a 25‑yard piledriver that struck the inside of the post and crossbar, ricocheting back into play. Rodríguez, eager to open his Bournemouth account, slipped on the ball as he prepared to shoot from the edge of the box, sending a high effort into the stands.
Later, the £21 million signing headed a cross from Hill only inches wide, enduring a frustrating debut despite his involvement in several dangerous moments. Christie, ever the opportunist, showed Rodríguez the route to goal by heading in a corner from Brooks at the far post 21 minutes from time. The Scottish midfielder then completed his hat‑trick in the 88th minute, converting a deflected shot from 14 yards after being set up by Di akite.
The goal not only secured his personal milestone but also put the match beyond any doubt. In stoppage time, Rayan added the fourth goal, calmly finishing from the corner of the six‑yard box to cap off a comprehensive victory for Bournemouth. The win not only gave Marco Rose his first triumph in charge but also sent a clear message to the rest of the league about the attacking potential of his side. Overall, the match showcased Bournemouth’s depth, with several fringe players stepping up and delivering solid performances.
The defensive solidity provided by Di Gregorio, the creativity of Gannon‑Doak, and the clinical finishing of Christie combined to produce a well‑rounded display. For Lincoln, the defeat highlighted defensive frailties that will need addressing if they hope to climb the table. As the Carabao Cup progresses, Bournemouth will look to build on this momentum, while Rose will aim to translate cup success into improved league form, hoping to avoid the pattern of late‑game concessions that have plagued his early tenure. The fans left the stadium buoyed by a dominant performance, a hat‑trick from their midfield star, and a glimpse of the attacking football that could define their season ahead.
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